Crankshaft thermal electric signal output device, internal combustion engine, and monitoring method for internal combustion engine

Abstract

The application provides a crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, an internal combustion engine and a monitoring method of the internal combustion engine. The crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device comprises a rotating shaft, a bracket and an encoder assembly. The rotating shaft is connected with the crankshaft at one end in the axial direction. The bracket contains the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft and the bracket are connected through a bearing. The rotating shaft and the bearing are connected through an insulating element. The encoder assembly is sleeved on the rotating shaft. The encoder assembly and the rotating shaft are provided with an insulating element. A slip ring is arranged at the other end of the rotating shaft in the axial direction. The slip ring is connected with the rotating shaft through an insulating adapter in the axial direction. The slip ring rotor of the slip ring is directly connected with the rotating shaft through an installation hole in the insulating adapter and an electric connecting element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, an internal combustion engine, and a monitoring method for an internal combustion engine. Background Technology

[0002] For reference Figure 1 The principle of thermoelectric signal formation shown is as follows: The bearing bush of the diesel engine sliding bearing is in close contact with the engine body to form an equipotential body, with good connection and grounding. The crankshaft and bearing bush, a pair of conductors of different metal materials, form two electrodes like a thermocouple.

[0003] By installing a test device at the output end of the crankshaft, a circuit is formed between the crankshaft and the engine block. At this time, a current will be generated in the circuit due to the thermoelectric effect, and an electric potential difference will be formed. The instantaneous frictional heat between the crankshaft and each sliding bearing provides the energy source for this electric potential difference.

[0004] Therefore, by monitoring the thermoelectric signals at each firing angle, the frictional heat between the crankshaft and each cylinder bearing can be obtained, thereby determining the frictional state of each cylinder sliding bearing.

[0005] In the prior art, there are already devices that utilize the above principles to output thermoelectric signals from a diesel engine using slip rings and encoders. In one existing solution, thermoelectric signals and rotation angle signals are extracted from the crankshaft by connecting the slip ring and encoder rotor parts through a rotating shaft, and then connecting the slip ring rotor wire to the rotating shaft and installing it at the free end of the crankshaft.

[0006] However, the inventors discovered that the above solution exhibited poor reliability when applied to actual diesel engine monitoring. This was because the solution was susceptible to external electrical interference affecting the crankshaft thermoelectric signal, as well as the influence of electrical signals generated by the encoder slip ring during operation on the crankshaft thermoelectric signal. Furthermore, this solution was inconvenient to maintain, and replacing the slip ring at the end of its lifespan presented significant challenges due to the difficulty of disassembly and assembly, requiring the encoder and its related cables to be removed first.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a new crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, an internal combustion engine, and a monitoring method for an internal combustion engine to overcome at least one of the technical problems described above. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of the problems existing in the background art, the purpose of this application is to provide a crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, an internal combustion engine, and a monitoring method for the internal combustion engine, which has good reliability and is easy to disassemble and replace slip rings.

[0009] In a first aspect, this application provides a crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, comprising a rotating shaft for axial connection at one end to a crankshaft; a support member for accommodating the rotating shaft, wherein the rotating shaft and the support member are connected by a bearing member, and an insulating member is provided between the rotating shaft and the bearing member; an encoder assembly sleeved on the rotating shaft, wherein an insulating member is provided between the encoder assembly and the rotating shaft; and a slip ring disposed at the other end of the rotating shaft in the axial direction, axially connected to the rotating shaft by an insulating adapter, wherein the slip ring rotor of the slip ring is directly connected to the rotating shaft through a mounting hole in the insulating adapter via an electrical connection element.

[0010] The beneficial effects of the above-described solution include one or a combination of the following: By connecting the internal slip ring to one end of the rotating shaft and placing it inside the support component, and by employing insulated connections between the rotating shaft and the bearing, encoder assembly, and slip ring housing, external signal interference to the thermoelectric signal is shielded, and the accuracy of signal transmission is ensured. This reduces the difficulty of transmitting diesel engine thermoelectric signals and improves the operability of the device. Furthermore, the use of electrical connection elements, such as direct connection pins, between the rotating shaft and the slip ring allows for independent disassembly of the slip ring, reducing the current difficulty in replacement due to insufficient slip ring lifespan. The electrical connection elements are also encased in an insulated adapter, shielding the slip ring rotor from electrical interference with the crankshaft.

[0011] In some embodiments of the crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, the rotating shaft has a shoulder, the bearing abuts against the shoulder on one axial side and against the encoder assembly on the other axial side, the encoder assembly is pressed by a lock nut on the other axial side, and an insulating element is provided between the encoder assembly and the lock nut.

[0012] In some embodiments of the crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, a mounting flange is also included, the rotating shaft is disposed within the space defined by the mounting flange, and the outer ring of the bearing abuts against the mounting flange on one side in the axial direction.

[0013] In some embodiments of the crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, a housing is also included, which is axially connected to the mounting flange at one end and provides a cover for the support member.

[0014] In some embodiments of the crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, a plug is also included. The encoder assembly is connected to the plug via a signal transmission line passing through the bracket and the housing. The slip ring is directly connected to the plug via a signal transmission line. The mounting flange is directly connected to the plug via a signal transmission line.

[0015] In some embodiments of the crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, the signal flow path provided by the thermoelectric signal output device includes: the thermoelectric signal of the crankshaft is directly transmitted to the slip ring rotor through an electrical connection element, and the slip ring transmits the rotor's signal directly to the plug through a signal transmission line; the signal of the machine body is directly transmitted from the mounting flange connected to the machine body to the plug through a signal transmission line; and the angular domain signal of the encoder assembly is directly transmitted to the plug through a signal transmission line.

[0016] In some embodiments of the crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, the slip ring rotor of the slip ring is directly connected to the shaft through a gold pin that passes directly through the mounting hole in the insulating adapter.

[0017] In some embodiments of the crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, the insulating adapter includes a first part and a second part, the first part being connected to the rotating shaft through a first hole, and the first part having a connecting body, the second part being connected to the first part through the connecting body.

[0018] Secondly, this application provides an internal combustion engine including a crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device as described in the first aspect.

[0019] Thirdly, this application provides a monitoring method for an internal combustion engine, employing a thermoelectric signal output device as described in the first aspect. The monitoring method includes: the thermoelectric signal of the crankshaft is collected through the thermoelectric signal output device, so that the thermoelectric signal at different angular domains on the crankshaft is monitored in real time.

[0020] This enables real-time monitoring of thermoelectric signals at different angular domains of the diesel engine crankshaft, thereby ensuring the diesel engine's efficient and stable operation. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above-described and other features, properties, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which the same reference numerals always denote the same features. It should be noted that these drawings are merely illustrative and are not drawn to scale, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection actually claimed by the present invention.

[0022] in:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of thermoelectric signal generation.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the signal flow of a crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the insulating adapter of a crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the invention to those exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover not only these exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0028] Furthermore, this application uses specific terms to describe its embodiments. For example, "some embodiments" refers to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "some embodiments" mentioned twice or more in different locations in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics of some embodiments of this application can be appropriately combined.

[0029] Although the crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, internal combustion engine, and internal combustion engine monitoring method disclosed in the following embodiments are applied to marine diesel engines as an example, they are not limited to this application scenario. For example, they can be used for stationary generators, train internal combustion engines, etc. As long as a solution for monitoring an internal combustion engine through crankshaft thermoelectric signals is required, the crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, internal combustion engine, and internal combustion engine monitoring method described in the embodiments can be used.

[0030] By monitoring the thermoelectric signals at various firing angles, the frictional heat between the crankshaft and the bearings of each cylinder can be obtained, thereby determining the frictional state of the sliding bearings of each cylinder. In actual operation, the crankshaft is a rotating component, and its thermoelectric signals are at the millivolt level, which places higher demands on the reliable output device of the crankshaft thermoelectric signals at different crankshaft rotation angles.

[0031] The inventors discovered that the existing solutions described in the background art, under actual machine conditions, do not consider the interference of external electrical interference on the crankshaft thermoelectric signal, nor do they consider the influence of the electrical signal generated by the encoder slip ring during the operation of the internal electrical components on the crankshaft thermoelectric signal; and the simple series connection method has the problem of low reliability, which is difficult to apply to the long-term thermoelectric signal monitoring of diesel engines, and there is also the problem of difficult disassembly and assembly when the slip ring reaches the end of its life: the encoder and its related cables must be disassembled first.

[0032] Based on the above findings, the inventors proposed a crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, an internal combustion engine, and a monitoring method for the internal combustion engine. The device utilizes an internal slip ring connected to one end of the crankshaft and housed within a support component. Insulation is employed between the crankshaft, bearing, encoder assembly, and slip ring housing. This shields the thermoelectric signal from external interference and ensures accurate signal transmission, thereby reducing the difficulty of transmitting diesel engine thermoelectric signals and improving the device's operability. Furthermore, an electrical connection element, such as a mating pin, is used between the crankshaft and the slip ring for direct connection, allowing for independent disassembly of the slip ring. This reduces the current difficulty in replacing slip rings due to their short lifespan. The electrical connection element is also encased in an insulating adapter, shielding the slip ring rotor from electrical interference with the crankshaft.

[0033] refer to Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device 100 includes a rotating shaft 3, a bearing component 4, a support component 5, an encoder assembly 7, a slip ring 8, and an insulating adapter 22. Among them, as... Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the rotating shaft 3 is used to connect to the crankshaft 16 at one end in the axial direction, for example, by means of a coupling 17.

[0034] The bracket 5 houses the rotating shaft 3, and the rotating shaft 3 is connected to the bracket 5 via a bearing 4. An insulating element 13 is provided between the rotating shaft 3 and the bearing 4. The function of the bracket 5 is, on the one hand, to support the internal components such as the bearing 4, the rotating shaft 3, and the encoder assembly 7, and on the other hand, to protect the internal precision components and prevent external factors from interfering with the working state of the internal components.

[0035] In some embodiments, the crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device 100 further includes a mounting flange 1. The rotating shaft 3 is disposed within the space defined by the mounting flange 1. The outer ring of the bearing component 4 abuts against the mounting flange 1 on one side of the axial direction. That is, there is resin insulation material between the bearing component 4 and the rotating shaft 3. The bearing is close to the flange and tightly fits with the bracket, ensuring the fixation of the bearing and reducing wear on the rotating shaft. The thermoelectric signal output device 100 is connected to the diesel engine via a coupling 17. It is installed on the free end of the diesel engine crankshaft by connecting the mounting component 18 to the mounting flange 1, thus aligning and fixing the diesel engine crankshaft and the thermoelectric signal output device. An oil seal can be used for insulation between the mounting flange 1 and the rotating shaft 3. A sealing element, such as an O-ring 2, is used for sealing between the diesel engine and the thermoelectric signal output device.

[0036] Continue to refer to Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the encoder assembly 7 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 3, and an insulating component is provided between the encoder assembly 7 and the rotating shaft 3. The encoder assembly can acquire the crankshaft rotation angle signal of the diesel engine, and thus distinguish the status information of different positions.

[0037] Specifically, the mounting structure of the rotating shaft 3 can be as follows: Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the rotating shaft 3 has a shoulder, and the bearing 4 abuts against the shoulder on one axial side and against the encoder assembly 7 on the other axial side. The encoder assembly 7 is pressed against the locking nut 11 on the other axial side, and an insulating element is provided between the encoder assembly 7 and the locking nut 11. The locking nut 11 can press and fix the bearing 4 and the encoder assembly 7, ensuring the absolute stationarity of the inner ring of the bearing 4 and the encoder assembly 7 with the shaft, as well as the accuracy of the encoder assembly.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the thermoelectric signal output device 100 also includes a housing, with a mounting flange 1 connected to one axial end of the housing, and a cover bracket 5 provided. Figure 2 As shown, the housing may include an outer cover 6 and a cover plate 9, but is not limited thereto. This has the advantage of protecting relatively fragile components such as the encoder assembly 7 and the support structure for the transmission lines leading out the encoder signals. Furthermore, it increases the structural strength of the device, providing protection for operators should a hazard occur during operation.

[0039] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4A , Figure 4B As shown, the slip ring 8 is located at the other end of the rotating shaft 3 in the axial direction. It is connected to the rotating shaft 3 axially via an insulating adapter 22. The slip ring rotor of the slip ring 8 is directly connected to the rotating shaft 3 via an electrical connection element 14 passing directly through the mounting hole 21 within the insulating adapter 22. Preferably, the electrical connection element 14 can be a mating pin, similar to the pins of an electrical connector. The mating pin and the insulating adapter 22 enable signal transmission and connection between the rotating shaft 3 and the slip ring 8. The insulating adapter 22 can be made of resin material for insulation, ensuring insulation between the outer shells of the rotating shaft 3 and the slip ring 8. The insulating adapter 22 has a mounting hole 21 inside, providing a channel for the mating pin. The mating pin allows the signal transmission of the slip ring 8 to be directly connected to the rotating shaft 3. The internal structure of the mating pin ensures that the transmitted signal is not easily interfered with by external factors, reduces external coil winding, saves internal installation space, and has a simple structure and is easy to disassemble. Furthermore, the connection method using gold pins facilitates the disassembly of the slip ring, solving the current problem of disassembly and assembly of the entire device due to insufficient slip ring life, thus saving economic costs. In addition, the connection between slip ring 8 and bracket 5 ensures that damage to encoder assembly 7 or slip ring 8 does not affect the overall structural lifespan, improving the device's economy and practicality. (Reference) Figure 4A as well as Figure 4BAs shown, in some embodiments, the insulating adapter 22 includes a first part 221 and a second part 222. The first part 221 is connected to the rotating shaft 3 through a first hole 20 and has a connecting body 19. The second part 222 is connected to the first part 221 through the connecting body 19. The slip ring is bolted to the rotating shaft 3 through the first hole 20, and then passes through the connecting body 19 on the first part 221, which can be a pin, to drive the second part 222. The mating pin is installed inside the insulating adapter 22, thereby allowing the diesel engine crankshaft signal to be transmitted to the slip ring through the rotating shaft.

[0040] Continue to refer to Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the thermoelectric signal output device 100 may further include a plug 12, exemplified here by an aviation plug. The encoder assembly 7 is connected to the plug 12 via a signal transmission line passing through the bracket 5 and the housing. The slip ring 8 is directly connected to the plug 12 via a signal transmission line 15, and the mounting flange 1 is directly connected to the plug 12 via a signal transmission line. This ensures that the signal flow path provided by the thermoelectric signal output device 100 is as follows: Figure 3 As indicated by the dashed arrows, the following are included: the thermoelectric signal of the rotating shaft 3 is directly transmitted to the slip ring rotor via the electrical connection element 14; the slip ring transmits the rotor's signal directly to the plug 12 via the signal transmission line 15; the signal of the engine body 23 is directly transmitted from the mounting flange 1 connected to the engine body to the plug 12 via the signal transmission line 15; the angular domain signal of the encoder assembly 7 is directly transmitted to the plug 12 via the signal transmission line 15. The plug 12, for example, with an aviation plug structure, improves the operability of this device. The plug 12 integrates multiple internal signal transmissions and directly transmits the diesel engine's thermoelectric signal to the client. Specifically, the thermoelectric signal of the rotating shaft 3 is directly transmitted to the slip ring rotor via the mating pin; the slip ring transmits the rotor's signal directly to the plug 12 via the signal transmission line; and the plug 12 outputs the signal to the thermoelectric signal monitoring system. The engine body's signal is directly transmitted from the flange connected to the engine body to the plug 12. At the same time, the angular domain signal of the encoder component is directly input to the plug 12 through the signal transmission line, and the plug 12 directly outputs all the signals of this device to the monitoring system, thereby realizing real-time monitoring of the diesel engine thermoelectric signal.

[0041] Another aspect of this application provides an internal combustion engine, which includes the thermoelectric signal output device 100 described in the above embodiments.

[0042] Another aspect of this application provides a monitoring method for an internal combustion engine, employing the thermoelectric signal output device 100 described in the above embodiments. The monitoring method includes: the thermoelectric signal of the crankshaft 16 is collected by the thermoelectric signal output device 100, so that the thermoelectric signal at different angular regions on the crankshaft 16 is monitored in real time. The beneficial effect of this is that it enables real-time monitoring of the thermoelectric signal at different angular regions on the diesel engine crankshaft, thereby ensuring the efficient and stable operation of the diesel engine.

[0043] The crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device, internal combustion engine, and monitoring method described in the above embodiments offer the following advantages: The internal slip ring is connected to one end of the rotating shaft and placed inside the support component. Insulation is used between the rotating shaft and the bearing, encoder assembly, and slip ring housing. This shields the thermoelectric signal from external interference and ensures the accuracy of signal transmission, thereby reducing the difficulty of transmitting diesel engine thermoelectric signals and improving the device's operability. Furthermore, the rotating shaft and slip ring are directly connected using electrical connection elements, such as mating pins, allowing for independent disassembly of the slip ring. This reduces the current problem of difficult replacement due to insufficient slip ring lifespan. The electrical connection elements are also shielded by an insulating adapter, protecting the slip ring rotor from electrical interference with the crankshaft.

[0044] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any variations and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the invention, fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A crankshaft thermoelectric signal output device (100), characterized in that, include: A rotating shaft (3) is used to connect to a crankshaft (16) at one end in the axial direction; A support member (5) accommodates the rotating shaft (3), the rotating shaft (3) is connected to the support member (5) through a bearing member (4), and an insulating member is provided between the rotating shaft (3) and the bearing member (4); An encoder assembly (7) is sleeved on the rotating shaft (3), and an insulating element is provided between the encoder assembly (7) and the rotating shaft (3); A slip ring (8) is disposed at the other end of the rotating shaft (3) in the axial direction and is connected to the rotating shaft (3) in the axial direction through an insulating adapter (22). The slip ring rotor of the slip ring (8) is directly connected to the rotating shaft (3) through the mounting hole (21) in the insulating adapter (22) via an electrical connection element (14).

2. The thermoelectric signal output device (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating shaft (3) has a shoulder, the bearing (4) abuts against the shoulder on one side of the axial direction and abuts against the encoder assembly (7) on the other side of the axial direction, the encoder assembly (7) is pressed by a locking nut (11) on the other side of the axial direction, and an insulating element is provided between the encoder assembly (7) and the locking nut (11).

3. The thermoelectric signal output device (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting flange (1), the rotating shaft (3) is disposed within the space defined by the mounting flange (1), and the outer ring of the bearing component (4) abuts against the mounting flange (1) on one side of the axial direction.

4. The thermoelectric signal output device (100) as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a housing that is axially connected to the mounting flange (1) at one end and provides a cover for the bracket (5).

5. The thermoelectric signal output device (100) as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a plug (12), the encoder assembly (7) is connected to the plug (12) via a signal transmission line passing through the bracket (5) and the housing, the slip ring (8) is directly connected to the plug (12) via a signal transmission line, and the mounting flange (1) is directly connected to the plug (12) via a signal transmission line.

6. The thermoelectric signal output device (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The signal flow path provided by the thermoelectric signal output device (100) includes: the thermoelectric signal of the rotating shaft (3) is directly transmitted to the slip ring rotor through the electrical connection element (14), and the slip ring transmits the rotor signal directly to the plug (12) through the signal transmission line; the signal of the body (23) is directly transmitted from the mounting flange (1) connected to the body to the plug (12) through the signal transmission line; the angular domain signal of the encoder assembly (7) is directly transmitted to the plug (12) through the signal transmission line.

7. The thermoelectric signal output device (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The slip ring rotor of the slip ring (8) is directly connected to the rotating shaft (3) by passing through the mounting hole (21) in the insulating adapter (22) directly through the mating gold pin.

8. The thermoelectric signal output device (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating adapter (22) includes a first part (221) and a second part (222). The first part (221) is connected to the rotating shaft (3) through a first hole (20), and the first part (221) has a connecting body (19). The second part (222) is connected to the first part (221) through the connecting body (19).

9. An internal combustion engine, characterized in that, Includes the thermoelectric signal output device (100) as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A method for monitoring an internal combustion engine, characterized in that, The monitoring method, employing the thermoelectric signal output device (100) as described in any one of claims 1-8, comprises: The thermoelectric signal of the crankshaft (16) is collected through the thermoelectric signal output device (100), so that the thermoelectric signal in different angular domains on the crankshaft (16) can be monitored in real time.

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